The Overhead Valve engine (OHV) is a type of engine in which the valves are located above the camshaft. Initially, the OHV engines were used in motorcycles but were later modified for cars in the 19th century. Since then, the engine has undergone major modifications to cater the modern automobile requirements.
The following paragraphs will provide you with complete details about the OHV engine, its working and its usage in modern vehicles.
What does OHV Engine Mean?
The OHV engine is a type of push-rod engine in which valves responsible for balanced air-to-fuel ratio are located over the camshaft within the engine block. The location of the valve facilitates frequent and complete exhaustion of fuel. This engine is known for being compact and for its ability to produce high torque at low engine speed. The following paragraphs will demonstrate the working process of OHV engines.
Construction and Working
The construction of OHV engines is simpler, contrary to other petrol and diesel engines. It consists of the following elements:
- Rocker Arm
- Valves
- Timing Chain
- Push Rods
- Camshaft and Crankshaft
The propshaft at the bottom of the engine is connected with a wheel that directly transfers engine power to the crankshaft and rotates it. The crankshaft and camshafts are connected through a timing belt. When the camshaft moves, it hits the pushrods inside the engine block. These pushrods move spring-loaded rocker arms that operate the valves. This is how the OHV engine produces higher energy with complete exhaustion.
Pros and Cons of OHV Engine
The OHV engines are counted among the quintessential internal combustion engines. The technology is comparatively simpler and more efficient. Despite all these, there are some cons associated with the OHV engines. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of OHV engines in detail.
Pros
- Size: The OHV engines are compact in size and consume less space in the engine block.
- Cost: The manufacturing of OHV is cost-efficient and also requires low maintenance.
- Torque: The better air-to-fuel ratio enables OHV to produce higher engine torque.
Cons
Valve Timings: When the engine is at higher RPM, the valve timings are difficult to control. Moreover, the usage of pushrods also decreases engine efficiency.
Wear and Tear: OHV engines contain a number of moving parts that are more prone to damage.
OHC Engine Vs OHV Engine
The Overhead Cam (OHC) engines are the latest form of internal combustion engines. A debate on the OHC Vs OHV engines always roams around car enthusiasts. The following postulates clearly distinguish between OHC and OHV engines.
- Position of Camshaft: In OHV engines the valves are located over the camshaft. Whereas, in OHC valves are adjacent to camshafts.
- Construction: The OHV engine uses push-rods which increases its overall weight. However, OHC engines use closed cylinder heads.
- Types: There are two types of OHC engines: single and double overhead camshaft.
Usage of OHV Engine
The OHV engine was used by a number of popular American car makes. Thus, these engines are the signature to many muscle cars. One of the main reasons for this is the compact size and higher efficiency of fuel exhaustion. However, the heavier size and additional components used in the engine restrict its usage to a certain type of car.
This was all about the OHV engine and its usage in cars. These engines are known for their higher durability and efficiency. If you are interested in driving a vehicle equipped with an OHV engine, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE. We have also enlisted some of the considerable models with the OHV engine type.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different engine types.
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